microfinity 2.2.0

A python library to make Gridfinity compatible objects with CadQuery.

Microfinity

Gridfinity-compatible storage system with optional sub-grid sizing for more granular bin dimensions.

Microfinity extends the Gridfinity modular storage system with support for fractional grid units (0.25U and 0.5U increments), allowing you to create bins that better fit your specific items while remaining fully compatible with standard Gridfinity baseplates and bins.

Key Features

• 100% Gridfinity Compatible - All bins work on standard Gridfinity baseplates
• Fractional Sizing - Create bins in 0.25U (10.5mm) or 0.5U (21mm) increments
• Automatic Drawer Layouts - Generate optimally-segmented baseplates for any drawer size
• Multi-Piece Baseplates - Connection clips join pieces that exceed your build plate
• Parametric Design - Full control over holes, scoops, labels, dividers, drawer pulls, weighted bases, and more
• Multiple Export Formats - STEP, STL, and SVG output

Installation

Option 1: PyPI (Recommended)

pip install microfinity

Option 2: Docker (No Python/CadQuery Required)

Run microfinity without installing Python dependencies:

# Pull the latest image
docker pull ghcr.io/nullstack65/microfinity:latest

# Generate a box
docker run --rm -v $(pwd):/workspace ghcr.io/nullstack65/microfinity:latest \
  box 2 3 5 -o /workspace/box.stl

# Or use the Makefile
make docker-run ARGS="box 2 3 5 -o output.stl"

Available tags:

• latest - Latest stable release
• v2.0.0 - Specific version
• main - Development build

See Docker documentation for detailed usage including CI/CD integration.

Option 3: From Source

git clone https://github.com/nullstack65/microfinity.git
cd microfinity
pip install -e .

Dependencies

• CadQuery (>= 2.0)
• cq-kit (>= 0.5.6)

Quick Start

Create a Standard Box

from microfinity import GridfinityBox

# 2x3x4 box with magnets, scoops, and labels
box = GridfinityBox(2, 3, 4, holes=True, scoops=True, labels=True)
box.save_stl_file()  # Saves: gf_box_2x3x4_holes_scoops_labels.stl

Create a Fractional Box

from microfinity import GridfinityBox

# 1.25U x 0.5U x 3U box - fits in tighter spaces
box = GridfinityBox(1.25, 0.5, 3, micro_divisions=4)
box.save_stl_file()  # Saves: gf_box_1.25x0.50x3_micro4.stl

Create a Baseplate

from microfinity import GridfinityBaseplate

# 4x3 baseplate with corner mounting screws
baseplate = GridfinityBaseplate(4, 3, corner_screws=True)
baseplate.save_stl_file()

Generate a Drawer Layout

from microfinity import GridfinityBaseplateLayout

# Automatically segment a drawer into printable pieces
layout = GridfinityBaseplateLayout(
    drawer_x_mm=450,
    drawer_y_mm=380,
    build_plate_x_mm=220,
    build_plate_y_mm=220,
)

layout.print_summary()  # Shows piece breakdown
layout.export_all("./drawer_plates", file_format="stl")

CLI Commands

Generate models directly from the command line:

# Standard 2x3x5 box with magnet holes
microfinity box 2 3 5 -m -f stl

# Fractional 1.25x2x3 box (quarter-grid)
microfinity box 1.25 2 3 -f stl

# 6x4 baseplate with corner screws
microfinity baseplate 6 4 -s -f stl

# Generate drawer layout
microfinity layout 450 380 -b 220 220 -o ./drawer -f stl

# Generate calibration test prints
microfinity calibrate -o ./calibration -f stl

# Show system info
microfinity info

# Drawer-style box with finger pull
microfinity box 2 3 4 --drawer -f stl

# Drawer with slot-style pull and labels
microfinity box 2 3 4 --drawer --finger-pull-style slot -l -f stl

# Stackable-only box (flat bottom, no feet)
microfinity box 2 2 3 --stackable -f stl

# Weighted base box (thicker floor for stability)
microfinity box 2 2 3 --weighted -f stl

The Microgrid System

Standard Gridfinity uses a 42mm grid (1U). Microfinity adds support for smaller increments:

micro_divisions	Pitch	Increment	Use Case
1	42.0mm	1U	Standard Gridfinity
2	21.0mm	0.5U	Half-grid sizing
4	10.5mm	0.25U	Quarter-grid sizing

Fractional bins use smaller "micro-feet" that still index properly on standard baseplates:

Standard 1U bin:          Fractional 0.5U bin:
┌────────────────┐        ┌───────┐
│                │        │       │
│   Single 42mm  │        │ 21mm  │
│      foot      │        │ foot  │
│                │        │       │
└────────────────┘        └───────┘

See The Microgrid System for details.

Documentation

• Getting Started - Installation and first steps
• The Microgrid System - How fractional sizing works
• Components:
  • Boxes - GridfinityBox parameters and features
  • Baseplates - GridfinityBaseplate options
  • Layouts - Automatic drawer tiling system
  • Spacers - Drawer spacer generation
• CLI Reference - Command line tools
• Calibration - Test prints for tuning fit
• Export Options - File formats and batch export
• Python API - Programmatic usage

Examples

See the examples/ directory for complete scripts:

• basic_box.py - Simple box with common features
• fractional_bins.py - Various fractional sizes
• drawer_layout.py - Complete drawer layout workflow
• custom_baseplate.py - Baseplate with specific options
• batch_export.py - Generate families of parts

Contributing

We welcome contributions! Please see CONTRIBUTING.md for guidelines on:

• Setting up your development environment
• Code style and formatting
• Submitting pull requests
• Reporting issues

Credits

Microfinity is a fork of cq-gridfinity by Michael Gale. The Gridfinity system was created by Zack Freedman.

Built with:

• CadQuery - The CAD kernel
• cq-kit - CadQuery utilities
• Astro - Documentation site

License

MIT License - See LICENSE for details.